Preceptorship for RN Mental Health Nursing (PNRS 125)

This 160-hour clinical preceptorship is designed to give the student an individualized “real world” clinical experience and a realistic perspective of the requirements of day-to-day practice. The student works the same schedule as their preceptor, and gradually assumes increased responsibility as their nursing skills, organizational abilities and self-confidence develop.

The location for the individual student’s clinical placement will be negotiated between the student, the CE clinical placement coordinator and the clinical site. Placements are made to practice in acute adult psychiatric or adult-based psychiatric settings.

This course is only available to students admitted to the RN Mental Health Nursing Certificate program at the beginning of their studies.

By the end of the program, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate responsibility and accountability for their own psychiatric nursing practice in a mental health setting;
• apply communication theory and skills effectively to initiate, maintain and terminate therapeutic relationships;
• promote a therapeutic environment;
• demonstrate self-awareness in relationships with individuals and their significant others to facilitate therapeutic relationships;
• use problem-solving and specialized knowledge and skills to accurately assess, plan, implement, evaluate and adapt a plan of care for a client in a mental health setting in collaboration with the client;
• apply principles of teaching and learning to assist individuals to meet health-related needs;
• demonstrate beginning leadership skills within the health team;
• utilize agency and community resources to promote mental health;
• demonstrate clear, accurate oral and written communication regarding clients’ mental health status and response to therapeutic interventions;
• critique the quality of their own practice within ethical and legal parameters; and
• participate in organized therapeutic groups and post-group discussions.

Admission to the RN Mental Health Nursing Certificate program.

Successful completion of all program theory courses:

• Therapeutic Relationships in Mental Health Nursing (PNRS 100);
• Assessment and Promotion of Mental Health (PNRS 107);
• Disorders of Mental Health (PNRS 114); and
• Professional Practice in Mental Health (PNRS 122).

Proof of completion of all applicable Health Authority clinical requirements, including but not limited to

• current CPR-BLS that will not expire during the clinical experience; the certificate must be issued no more than twelve months prior to the completion of the preceptorship;
• a clear Criminal Record Search, which must include the Vulnerable Sector check;
• Respiratory Mask Fitting;
• Health Authority Student Practice Core Orientation;
• Health Authority – specific requirements.

Completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or LPI score of 4 or equivalent is required. 

Topics covered include:

• Therapeutic communication;
• Accountability and responsibility through application of knowledge;
• Psychiatric nursing process;
• Client teaching and learning;
• Legal and ethical considerations;
• Professional presentation; and
• Teamwork and collaboration skills.

Online course through Blackboard, and in-person clinical experience.

Due to the nature of an online delivery, the student will be expected be proficient in computer skills including email, adding attachments, navigating the internet etc. Resources for getting started with Blackboard are available online to help get the student comfortable in the Blackboard environment.

This preceptorship takes approximately one month to complete on a full-time basis; the time required to complete will be dependent on the schedule of the preceptor. Paid employment may not constitute any of the clinical hours required. Students are urged to plan to make work and family arrangements to accommodate the preceptorship time required. Summer and late December preceptorships are avoided.

To register, email cehs@douglascollege.ca with your registration request and proof of completion of the pre-requisite requirements.  You will then be prompted for payment to the CE Registration office, to finalize your registration. Payment of the tuition fee must accompany registration.

Instructions on how to access your course materials will be emailed to you by the Program Assistant within five (5) business days prior to your chosen course start date.